Clark looked at Maggie in her Cinderella dress sleep tightly in the arms of Charlize. Ma Gugu was occupying the other end of the couch.
– “Is she okay?” he asked.
Charlize nodded still stroking Maggie’s hair.
He turned to Ma Gugu. “Ma, thank you for looking after her. Of course, we will move out as soon as I can find a place for Maggie and myself and—”
– “What? What did you just said?” Ma Gugu was now up and leaning towards Clark, her fists on her hips, “You think I’m gonna abandoned this poor girl? You think I’m gonna let her go to a foster home or trust you to raise her? Well, think again, meneer.”
Ma Gugu was still shaking her head angrily when she sat back down and gently took Maggie away from Charlize.
– “I don’t want to impose—” said Clark but he was cut off by Ma Gugu.
– “Lizzie! I thought the man was smart. Can you talk some senses into him? Impose—pssst.”
Charlize came closer. “Clark, Ma’s right. Child Welfare Service will never let you keep Maggie. She will be placed in a foster home. I’ll have more chances of keeping her as a foster family. Amina told us her story and I want to keep her. She’ll be the little sister I never have.”
– “Are you sure Miss de Vries?”
– “Yes, Clark. I am.”
– “I promise I will reimburse you for Maggie’s care and education—”
– “Lizzie! Tell the man if he doesn’t stop talking nonsense I will slap him myself.”
Maggie stirred in Ma Gugu’s arms and opened her eyes.
– “Clark!”
She ran into his arms and held onto him for dear life. “Is my Mommy with her Guardian Angel now?”
– “She is, Maggie. She’s now happily in Heaven with her Guardian Angel and is watching you right now.”
– “Does she know you’re with me?”
– “Yes, she knows.”
– “Clark, are they gonna put me in a stranger’s home like they do with other kids?”
– “No, Maggie. No one will take you away from me. You’ll stay here with me. You’ll live here with Miss de Vries and Ma Gugu but only if you want to.”
Maggie let go of her hold and went back to Charlize. She craned her neck up like only children can do and took Charlize’s hands. “Lizzie, is it true? I can stay here with you? You don’t mind that I’m poor and have no family?”
Charlize’s eyes were full of tears. She kneeled down and held Maggie in her arms. “Maggie, honey. From now on, we’re your family.”
Ma Gugu was crying and sobbing uncontrollably.
– “Can Amina visit me too?” Maggie asked.
– “Whenever she wants, honey. You too can see her anytime you want. Now go to your nanny.”
Maggie walked to Ma Gugu who scooped her up like a leaflet. “Did you like my koeksisters?” she asked in broken Afrikaans.
Maggie nodded.
– “Would you like some more before bedtime?”
Another nod and smile.
Ma Gugu reverted to English. “I’m gonna have to teach our little princess some English.”
– “I’m sure she will learn it in no time, Ma.” said Charlize, “Oh, Ma. I know you’ve already prepared my old room for Maggie but tonight, she’s sleeping with me.”
Ma Gugu shook her head. “No, Lizzie. Tonight, Maggie is sleeping in her own pretty room with her nanny and that's that.”
